Function
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II catalyzes the transcription of DNA into RNA, utilizing four ribonucleoside triphosphates as substrates. It synthesizes mRNA precursors and numerous functional non-coding RNAs. As a central component of the basal RNA polymerase II transcription machinery, Pol II comprises mobile elements exhibiting relative movement. NRPB7, part of a subcomplex with NRPB4, binds to a pocket formed by NRPB1, NRPB2, and NRPB6 at the base of the clamp element. This NRPB4-NRPB7 subcomplex appears to lock the clamp in a closed conformation via NRPB7, thereby preventing double-stranded DNA entry into the active site cleft. Importantly, the NRPB4-NRPB7 subcomplex exhibits binding affinity for both single-stranded DNA and RNA.